Motorists could be left out of pocket as Hertsmere Borough Council prepares to double the cost of parking in Radlett, and increase charges elsewhere in the borough.

The parking price hike has been announced as the authority looks to slash £2million from its budget over the next two years.

Under the proposals, the cost of on-street parking in Radlett will increase from 50p to £1 for the second hour, while the cost of parking for more than 30 minutes will increase, from nothing, to 20p.

Elsewhere in the borough, the cost of on-street parking for more than one hour will rise from 80p to £1.

Residents will be charged £15 for a parking permit outside their house, under the plans, while charges for annual visitor permits will rise from £20 to £30.

Charges in council-run car park charges will go up from 40p to 50p, for up to one hour, and become £1 for up to two hours in Borehamwood, Potters Bar and Bushey Heath.  Car park charges in Radlett are also set to increase, to come in line with the rest of the borough.

Liberal Democrat group leader, councillor Roger Kutchinsky, said the charges amounted to a stealth tax, after members last night announced council rates would be frozen this year.

"It could be described as a stealth tax, but it's not very stealthy," he said. "They have frozen the council tax but they are putting up a lot of charges to the residents that will actually make life more expensive, and possibly add more to their annual costs, than a small increase in council tax would."

Members approved the plans at last night's (Wednesday's) full council meeting, meaning the charges could come into force this summer after a public consultation.

Liberal Democrat councillors Roger Kutchinsky and Anita Gamble abstained from the vote, while Labour representatives Ann Harrison and Ernie Butler, voted against the plans.

Conservative Councillor John Donne, transport portfolio holder, said: "We have not raised the charges in council-run car parks for several years and, due to the tough financial times we currently find ourselves in, this was something we had to consider."